Apply to use fishing instruments other than rod and line in England

You must get written permission to fish using nets, traps or electric fishing instruments in inland waters in England.

Inland waters include:

• canals
• rivers
• streams
• stillwaters, like lakes and ponds

Before you apply

To apply for authorisation to use nets, traps or electric fishing instruments, you’ll need to know:

• when you plan to fish
• what fishing instruments you’ll use
• the name and location of the site or water where you want to fish, including the national grid reference
• the type and size of the water
• if the site has a conservation designation, like a site of special scientific interest (SSSI)
• details of any species of fish you want to remove

You can get advice from the Environment Agency before you apply.

Apply for authorisation

There’s a charge for catching for the following species by net or trap:

• eel and elver
• lamprey and smelt

Authorisation is free for catching other species by fishing instruments other than rod and line.

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After you apply

It usually takes up to 25 working days to get a decision on an application. It may take longer if the fishery is in a protected area and has a conservation designation.

If your application is approved, you’ll be sent written authorisation. This will set out the work you plan to do, with conditions about the:

• fish you can catch
• fishing instruments you can use
• site you can fish at
• dates you can fish

Getting this authorisation only gives you permission to use the fishing instruments specified at the site named.

Get help

Contact the fish movements team if you need:

• help with an application
• to ask a question
• to ask for an alternative format